Mercedes Benz 190 (1982-1993) Used car: MB 190 - The small that became large Never before had a car been as much discussed as the Mercedes 190. Speculations and drawings flourished in foreign car magazines many years before the car was a fact. The Mercedes Benz 190 was made for eleven years. Author: Jan Harry Svendsen Saturday 3. April 1999 Mercedes 190 were only available as a sedan. But though the car hadn't much freedom of choice as regards its body, the variation under the hood was big. Here one could find engines - both diesel and gasoline - with an output from 72 to over 200 hp. Most common were the four-cylinder engines, but there were also many six-cylindered produced. Gasoline engines were available from 1.8 to 2.6 litre, however, the 190 were only available with 2.0 litre the first time of production. The 2.0 litre with carburetor produced 90 hp, while the 190E, with injection, mobilized 122 hp. Later on the other engines came, 2.3 litre with 136 hp, 2.6 litre with 160 hp and a 2.3 litre with 16 valves and 185 hp. There were also a Mercedes 190E 1.8, its output was 109 hp. The biggest and strongest were the 2.5-16. It had an engine-volume of 2,5 litre combined with 16 valves gave 205 hp. There were also options for those who preferred diesel. Without turbo the output varied from 72 to 90 hp, and 122 to 126 hp with turbo. Common problems Engine and drivetrain - Worn camshafts - Oil leaks from engine and transmission - Worn middleaxle - Defect water pump Body: - Rust - Defect door stops Other: - Worn seats - Worn park brake - Backlash on steering History 1982: -Production of Mercedes 190 (W201) starts. 1983: -Introduction of MB 190 diesel. 1985: -190D 2.5 with 90 hp introduced, so is also the 190E 2.3 and 2.6 1988: -First upgrade; Protection shields on side of the car, better seats and height-adjustable seat belts. MB 190E 2.5-16 replaces 2.3-16. 1990: -Basemodel 190E 1.8 introduced. 1993: -Production of 190 ceases, and is replaced by Mercedes Benz C-class (W202). Conclusion Mercedes 190 is a secure used car- purchase. The car has reatively large safetymargins if an accident should occur, and is still on todays level as regards comfort. Nor has it many problems. The best buys are the models produced after 1988, as they have better seats and therefor are more comfortable. Diesels can be good buys to, but steer of the smallest engine. This is a bit to small to move a 190. The 2.5 is a better buy.Gasolines are mainly all good buys, though one should be a bit careful with the 2.3-litre if the camshaft is worn. The 2.3-16 might be an alternative if its power you're looking for, but be careful if it has been hard driven. Article first published at DinSide Bil. Back